An investigative committee has directed Nigeria's Athletics Federation to pay Favour Ofili N8 million—about $5,000—as symbolic compensation for her exclusion from the women's 100 metres event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This recommendation emerges from a 54-page report addressing administrative failures that contributed to Nigeria's poor international image during the Olympic and Paralympic events. The panel, led by journalist Dr. Mumini Alao, highlights negligence in communication and registration processes while urging systemic reforms in oversight bodies.
Key Findings on Communication and Registration Breakdowns
The committee uncovered conflicting evidence surrounding Ofili's omission, implicating lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). It pinpointed negligence by AFN Secretary General Rita Mosindi in conveying Ofili's event status and faulted Technical Director Samuel Onikeku for inaction on available registration details. Although no organization faced outright indictment due to insufficient proof, the report criticizes reliance on informal channels, such as social media, by NOC staff Samuel Fadele and Emmanuel Nweri.
Accountability Measures and Compensation Directive
Beyond compensation for Ofili's distress, the panel calls for penalties against Mosindi and sanctions for Onikeku to enforce accountability. It advises issuing formal warnings to the NOC staffers, mandating physical documents or emails for official communications. Originally commissioned by Senator John Owan Enoh before his reassignment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the report gained approval for release from the new National Sports Commission chairman.
Calls for Governance Overhaul and Funding Shifts
The committee advocates a written governance code between the NOC and Ministry of Sports Development to foster transparency and prevent future disputes. It urges all federations to establish codes of conduct alongside strengthened anti-doping protocols. To tackle chronic underfunding, the report proposes a private-sector-led model, aiming to enhance preparation infrastructure and grassroots development for sustained national representation.
